Wellington Shire Council is calling on local businesses of all sizes and sectors to explore new work opportunities by learning how their existing skills and services could support large organisations operating locally.
Businesses in Wellington Shire, including trades, maintenance, professional services, manufacturers, and new enterprises can already deliver this work, but often don’t know which opportunities exist or how to access them. To help bridge that gap, council, in partnership with the federal Office of Defence Industry Support, will host a free Defence 101 information and networking event on Wednesday, March 25, from 9am to 1pm, at the Wellington Room, upstairs at the Port of Sale.
With major organisations operating nearby, including RAAF Base East Sale, there is steady demand for trusted local suppliers across a wide range of everyday services. Many local businesses already have the capability, capacity and reliability required, and Defence, like many large organisations, actively looks to source goods and services locally wherever possible.
Wellington Shire mayor Cindy Madeley said the event was about opening doors and showing local operators where they fitted.
“Our shire is full of skilled trades, service providers and specialist businesses who deliver quality work every day. Those skills are needed locally, and often by large organisations that people don’t automatically think of as customers,” Cr Madeley said.
“Defence prefers to buy local where it can, and many of our businesses are already a great fit – they just need to know how to get started.”
Businesses from any sector are encouraged to attend, including construction, electrical, mechanical, ICT, logistics, fabrication, consulting, cleaning, catering, printing, training and more. No prior Defence or government experience is required.
The event will include a short information session followed by opportunities to ask questions, connect with industry support partners and better understand how existing services or skills may align with new work opportunities.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Registrations are free via Try Booking, https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1528478
For more information email Kirsten Power at kirstenp@wellington.vic.gov.au
